ROME Day 4: Raphael, ravioli and so forth

Today began with a private tour of the Vatican Museum. A friend of many years was our guide. It was the first time I had ever seen him at work. Brilliant. I even learned a few things.

Some shots for flavor.

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Yes, this is ravioli and butter and sage.  Be envious.

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Fried artichokes my neighbor got.

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UPDATE:

Coming back to the Basilica in while, with all the crowds, in a group like a tourist I felt a little like Pu Yi.

 

 

 

 

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The tomb of JP2.  I stopped to pay respects to my ordaining bishop.

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We had Mass tonight at a chapel up at the Governatorato. Some seminarians came to sing some of the ordinary.

I preached about the tension between the active and contemplative lives.

I was delighted to see in the sacristy that there are cards for the older form of Mass, clearly being used.

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If that weren’t enough, the order on the cabinet was for the EXTRAORDINARY FORM.  Get that?  There wasn’t an ordinary form ordo in sight.

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A view on the way out.

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One of the cars of the Vatican gendarmes.

You almost expect to see a about 10 get out.

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Seriously, I struck up a conversation with a Vatican Gendarme when we were trying to corral some of the strays from the group.  I asked him which Glock they carried as a side arm.  He was pretty surprised.  He confirmed that it was a Glock 19.  He had a little discussion.  The last thing he expected today, I think.

This took place near the place where Palestrina worked and died.

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After a shower and change, we headed to the P.za Navona for supper.  I was skeptical, but it worked out.

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My neighbor had some octopus for starters.

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Fried zucchini flowers with anchovy.

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Lamb (not exactly the season, but… hey) from the oven with potatoes.

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Back the terrace for cigars.

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Now… office and sleeeeeeep.

Full day.  Good day.

 

About Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Fr. Z is the guy who runs this blog. o{]:¬)
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17 Comments

  1. TNCath says:

    I think I recognize those plates! Did you have lunch at Giarrosto dal Toscano on Via Germanico after your tour?

  2. msc says:

    Wow. A personal tour? And seeing those Raphaels in the flesh. What a blessed day.

  3. donato2 says:

    la bistecca looks quite tasty … as do the ravioli … the fried things, I don’t know …

  4. jfk03 says:

    Fr. Z,
    A macro lens would improve your food shots. I can’t tell whether that’s good cholesterol on the plate, or bad!?!

  5. wanda says:

    Wonderful. Enjoy every sight, sound and tasty bite.

  6. NBW says:

    Fr. Z, are the fried things zucchini blossoms? The pics are beautiful and the food looks soooo good!

  7. Kathleen10 says:

    Fr. Z. it all looks wonderful! Thank you for sharing these. Our prayers accompany you.

  8. B16generation says:

    Ok, Fr.Z. Now post a picture of your friend the tour guide!
    And if you see Fr. Horgan, post a picture of him, like you did before…

  9. mamajen says:

    I preached about the tension between the active and contemplative lives.

    Wish I could have heard that one! It’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about recently.

  10. frjim4321 says:

    Nice cigars. Indeed I am envious but also happy for your good fortune. Enjoy.

  11. Imrahil says:

    But Father… but Father…

    for avoiding police interviews, fees, or any such discomfortable thing… (no, I do not mean morality; I don’t think much of the conscience-binding value of a law about what a nation’s citizens enjoy in another country…)

    should you have been posting photos of Cuban cigars?

  12. Imrahil says:

    when I said “fees” I meant “fines”.

  13. AgricolaDeHammo says:

    Glocks? What no Beretta? Good for them!
    I’m partial to my G19C, myself :)

  14. Priam1184 says:

    Fried artichokes? Never tried them but they do sound quite tasty. I worked with a guy once who had worked for a French chef who braised artichokes every day in olive oil for 6 hours. Very yummy. Will your tour include a visit to the excavations underneath the Basilica?

  15. Gratias says:

    Apollo, Laoöconte and his sons, Rafael’s Accademia, amazing dishes. Father Z we are so happy that you are there! Please come back.

  16. Sid Cundiff in NC says:

    The plate says Tre Scalini, which is in Piazza Navona. I’ve always wondered about that place, if it is too much for tourists. It looks like it was good.

  17. Sid Cundiff in NC says:

    I can’t make out what is written on the plate with the steak.

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